Sports News of Monday, 26 April 1999

Source: --

Liberty subdue All Blacks

Accra (Greater Accra) 26 April ?99

 Liberty Professionals secured an emphatic 2-0 victory over Swedru All Blacks in their ninth week ABC premier league match played at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday.

Albert Neequaye and Kofi Deblah scored the two goals for Liberty in the 71st and 88th minutes respectively.

All Blacks, who took the kick-off, had the better of the exchanges for the first 15 minutes but it was Liberty who nearly scored the opening goal in the 20th minute.

Baffour Gyan of Satellites fame took a pass from midfield and slipped through the All Blacks defence into their vital area but, with only goalkeeper Alex Ansah to beat, the striker shot off target.

The Black Magicians recovered quickly and nearly scored through a freekick effected by Dennis Odoom in the 25th minute but Louis Quainoo in post for Liberty parried the ball for a cornerkick which was wasted.

From then on, the tempo of the game reduced as both sides fought for supremacy in midfield, resulting in less action in front of goal till the end of the first half.

After the recess, Liberty improved on their game and nearly scored in the 63rd minute through Bernard Aryee when Neequaye sent a pass to him in the All Blacks penalty area but the ex-international's shot grazed the posts and bounced back into play.

Liberty's continuous pressure and determination paid off in the 71st minute when Neequaye headed home Charles Asamoah's cornerkick for the first goal. Five minutes later, Kofi Deblah had the most easiest task of sending Liberty up by two goals but, with goalkeeper Ansah already beaten, he headed the ball over the bar.

Deblah atoned for his earlier miss in the 88th minute when he got the second goal for his side.

He picked up a loose ball in midfield, shrugged off two defenders and shot into the net to seal victory for Liberty.